[Mark Hubley]

I am hoping to get some track time in my Cayman GTS during 2023, and I am looking for advice on tires . . .

I have a set of stock 20" rims and a set of OZ 19" rims (19 x 8.5 and 19 x 10). I presume I will use the 19" rims for DE. I currently have a set of Yoko A052 tires on them -- 235/40 and 265/40. I found these tires pretty good for autocross, and maybe I will use the same for DE. However, I am interested in getting something that might be better on track.

The last few years I had my 996, I was very happy with Nitto NT01 tires. I would go straight to those, except the sizes available for 19" rims are limited. The closest I can come to what I have now are 235/35 and 285/35. I could buy a set of 18" rims and get more options, but I will have plenty of other things to spend money on if I do some track weekends.

Another option is Toyo R888R. They are available in 245/35 and 275/35 for 19" rims. My only hesitancy here is that a few years ago (summer 2017) there was a string of R888R failures among various PCA drivers. If I remember correctly, there were three failures the same weekend at Summit Point. Was that a strange anomaly? Anybody been using these tires since? If so, do you like them?

Any other thoughts?

[RedOctober]

Originally Posted by Mark Hubley

I am hoping to get some track time in my Cayman GTS during 2023, and I am looking for advice on tires . . .

I have a set of stock 20" rims and a set of OZ 19" rims (19 x 8.5 and 19 x 10). I presume I will use the 19" rims for DE. I currently have a set of Yoko A052 tires on them -- 235/40 and 265/40. I found these tires pretty good for autocross, and maybe I will use the same for DE. However, I am interested in getting something that might be better on track.

The last few years I had my 996, I was very happy with Nitto NT01 tires. I would go straight to those, except the sizes available for 19" rims are limited. The closest I can come to what I have now are 235/35 and 285/35. I could buy a set of 18" rims and get more options, but I will have plenty of other things to spend money on if I do some track weekends.

Another option is Toyo R888R. They are available in 245/35 and 275/35 for 19" rims. My only hesitancy here is that a few years ago (summer 2017) there was a string of R888R failures among various PCA drivers. If I remember correctly, there were three failures the same weekend as Summit Point. Was that a strange anomaly? Anybody been using these tires since? If so, do you like them?

Any other thoughts?

Hiya Mark!

While not the same car obviously, I had a set of R888Rs on my C5, and coming from RA-1s on my 944, I didn't care for them. They were not very good in the rain, and seemed to lose grip much more quickly as heat cycles increased. Maybe I was spoiled by the RA-1s giving me great grip up until the cords were about to show

I went to Nankang AR-1s next on the C5, and I like those a lot better.

[bsurdam91]

Hey Mark -

On the 997.1, I had several sets cord on me (always the left rear tire at VIR). I won't ever use them again.

Brad

[Patrick3000]

Cup 2 Connects without the extra tire sensors on the 996 GT3. Best track tire I have ever used, period. They have a stiffer sidewall design vs. the standard Cup 2’s.

[BillC]

I've heard really good things about the Goodyear Supercar 3 tires. To the point where they're the leading candidate for my next set of track tires for the GT4 -- multiple PCAP drivers have them and really like them.

[Dr K]

Bill, are you referring to the F1 Supercar 3 (220 treadwear) or the F1 Supercar 3R (100 treadwear)?

[mlytle]

except for the Supercar 3R's, I have run all of the below tires in racing or HPDE instructor groups.

A-052 - have a set on my E30 M3 for track days. very impressed. super sticky, great steering response. need a lot of front camber. perfect for lighter car. will buy again.

R888R - just no. low traction, squeal like a pig, vague steering response. really unimpressed when i ran a set on my BMW 2002 ( not stock..ran 1:25's on summit main on Z214's)

NANKANG AR-1 - we use these on the race E30 325's for vintage races. surprisingly good. drive like a race tire. good grip. last long time.

GY F1 Supercar 3R - while i have not used them, lots of the SCCA instructors do and I have heard nothing but great comments about them.

Toyo RR's - run away. suck as a race tire and don't last for HPDE's

Hankook Z214's - the go to race tire. just a tick off Hoosier R7's for lap times and life and response is similar. fraction of the cost of R7's.

Hoosier - if ya want to win, there is no other choice.

[TurboPooch]

I have never heard anyone say anything good about the triple 8's.
Lots of good info here:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/ar...-buyers-guide/

[RV4Flyer]

Originally Posted by TurboPooch

I have never heard anyone say anything good about the triple 8's.
Lots of good info here:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/ar...-buyers-guide/

Excellent review and ranking on tires. I've been stuck on getting Nanking AR-1's but looking over the review I may reconsider for different tire. I did the last two DE's on the Nanking CR-1's (couldn't get the AR-1's) and they grip beautifully with good steering response but get heat soaked after a few laps. Any first hand experience from anyone on the Goodyear F1 Supercar 3R's?

[Lara]

I love the Yoko A052 tires, but we haven't been able to get them. Forget the NT01s, too. Had to get Hoosiers for several events.